Use of Multi-diffusion Model to Study the Release of Urea from Urea Fertilizer Coated with Polyurethane-like Coating (PULC)

Abstract

Controlled release fertilizer (CRF) play an important role in nutrient loss prevention and plant's uptake efficiency. This study uses a multi-diffusion model to simulate urea release from urea fertilizers coated with polyurethane-like coating (PULC). In this model, finite element method (FEM) and 2D geometry are applied for three sizes of urea granule using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Modeling results are in agreement with the experimental data for the “constant release” stage. Standard error of estimate (SEE) ranges from 0.00417 to 0.02084 in these simulations. Besides, relationship of coating thickness with release time and percent of urea released at the end of “constant release” stage has also been established.